Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1887-01-07
GOVERNOR sroNEMAN's MESSAGE

GOVERNOR sTONEMAE's MESSAGE.
The message of the retiring Governor,
General Stoneman, has been sent to the
Legislature. 1t is not an argumentative
document, and consists mainly of digests
of main topics presented by the reports of
the State officers and commissions. There
are few recommendations made, and
these are put plainly and his reasons for
them briefly stated. 1t is an unpretentious
paper, business-like and direct in the main,
but following, in some respects, previous
errors.
He expresses natural regret that his
administration should close with show
ing of increased expenditures and excess
of outgo over income But he calls atten-
ton TO the heavy appropriations made by
the last Legislature for State institutions,
aggregating over $4,000, and the neces-
sary outgo in prison deficiency bills The
Governor urges the payment or refunding
of the funded debt bonds amounting to
S2,69S,000. Concerning the railroad taxes
he dismisses the subject by recapitulating
the figures and opinions of the State Con-
troller, adhering evidently to the theory
of that officer concerning railroad taxation,
though it is opposed to the Interpretation
of the law by the State and Federal Courts.
County Assessors he holds to be servants
o. the State and subject to the control of the
State Board of Equalization, and legisla-
ton should be had to clearly define the
duties of the one and the right of control
and Of inquiry by the other.
On the subject of irrigation, he refers
to his expressions in his message calling
the last extra session of the Legislature,
adding that the barrenness ofreSult of that
session was due 10 the failure of Legislators
to fulfill their written pledges, yet he thinks
much good was accomplished by the new
light shed upon the subject by reason of
the debates incident to the extra session.
1t should have occurred to the Governor
that this dissemination of information, and
new light on that important subject,
probably had very much to do with
the conscientious change of views
by Legislators, made adhesion to
hasty pledge more unjust to public
interests than departure from it. Review
ing briefly the history of the State school
textbooks and the progress made in their
preparation and publication, he gives the
new system cordial Endorsement on the
score Of the great economy that results to
parents. The recommendations of the Sur
veyor-Generala are given apparent approval
relative to the withdrawal of State
timber lands from sale, and the
need to check the denudation of the
mountain slopes, which practice Is injur-
ing the streams and increasing the danger
of foods. The Executive would have had
public approval by indorsing this last
recommendation of the Surveyor General
with warmth and vigor
Concerning charity institutions receiv-
ing State aid, the Governor indorses the
management of the Home for Feeble
Minded Children, and advises extension of
the powers Of the managers, so as to put
at labor those inmates capable of it, that
they may in part contribute to their own
support, and, il discharged, be able to fol-
low some useful vocation at once. He adj
vises that full appropriations be made for
the entire expenses of the two State
Prisons, that there may not again arise the
necessity for borrowing money to carry
them on, as was imperative in the last
fiscal year. BY paying the earnings of the
prisons into the State treasury, and by
the State paying all the expenses of the
institutions, correct business system will
be followed, and the present loose method,
fraught with temptation done away with.
Generally, he approves the management of
the prisons, as being economic and pro-
gressive. The Pathological Commits
sion has his commentator, and es
pecially the recommendation favoring
the parole system" In this the Gov
ernor is justified by the best light on the
subject, and the experience of countries
where it has been tried A reform school
for incorrigible boys who would otherwise
be sent to prison is advised, and also the
appointment of an agent to look after and
aid discharged conyicts in their efforts to
lead better lives.
The condition of the CLAIMS Of the State
against the Federal Government is ex-
planned; the management of the School
for the Deaf, Dumb and Blind commend
ed regret expressed that the Asylum for
the Adult Blind has not fulfilled the ex-
peetation of the Directors; the National
Guard complimented for its drill, discip-
line ard personnel, and the recommended
ton warmly made that the State relieve
Its membership from much Of personal ex-
pense incident to its maintenance and eff
c'ency, and that economy be conserved by
building instead of renting armories. The
Asyluma for The Insane are given due con-